Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and problems for Psychology and Sociology

Themes of Constraint and Power in Adichie's Work

Suppression of Voice and Personal Autonomy

“Wait—” I said, so that I could take the nightdress off, so it would not seem so hasty. But he had crushed his mouth down on mine.” (Adichie 120)

• Husband's Dominance and Gender Roles

  This quote indicates the limitations and lack of freedom in a basic right: speech. The husband's position, both figuratively and physically above her, further highlights the dominance and abuse present due to prevailing gender roles.

• Chinaza's Lack of Refusal and Control

  It is also important to note that Chinaza does not refuse sex from him despite hating it. This exemplifies the control that men have over women and the inability to possess personal freedom for women in

... Continue reading "Societal Constraints and Gender Dynamics in Adichie's Fiction" »

The Impact of Sets on Human Perception

Definition of a Set

In psychology, a set refers to an expected outcome or frame of reference that influences our perception and behavior.

Sets and Perception

Sets can hinder our ability to detect errors in our own work. For example, if we expect to have written"hous" and it says"hose" we may not notice the misspelling and read it as the intended word.

Sets and Behavior

Sets can also affect our behavior. For instance, if a teacher expects a student to score poorly, they may treat or grade the student differently, leading to lower grades.

Sets and Problem Solving

Sets can influence our problem-solving abilities. If we expect a math problem to be solved in a certain way, we may not consider alternative formulas that... Continue reading "The Impact of Sets on Human Perception, Behavior, and Health" »

The discrimination refers to behaviors directed against another group. For example: Gender discrimination puts women at a disadvantage compared to men in various social situations. In the business market, women receive lower wages than men, for performing the same tasks and having the same qualifications, experience, and training. Women still do most of the housework and it is they who take care of the children and the elderly, so they have little time to look for new job opportunities. And even if they achieve leadership positions, they have to fight more than men to see their work being recognized and valued. Gender discrimination is only one of many forms of negative discrimination and constitutes a violation of human rights.

Cognitive Research Methods

Experiments in Cognitive Psychology

One primary research method used in the cognitive approach is experiments. Experiments are designed to establish a cause-and-effect relationship between two or more variables. In an experiment, the researcher manipulates an independent variable (IV) and measures its effect on a dependent variable (DV), while all other variables are held constant. Participants are randomly allocated to conditions, and the environment in which the study is conducted is carefully controlled to ensure that extraneous variables do not influence the results.

Biological Foundations of Cognition

Localization of Function (LOF)

Different parts of the brain are responsible for specific functions. Despite this specialization,... Continue reading "Brain Plasticity: Cognitive Research and Neural Adaptation" »

_{CONFLICT AND SOCIAL CHANGE}

_{SOCIALIZATION:}A process through which the individuals of a society or culture learn and internalize a combination of rules, values, and ways of perceiving reality. It gives individuals the capacities to develop themselves in the social interaction with other individuals.

SOCIAL CONSTRUCTIVISM

steps:

• Externalization: the social order is a human product for two reasons:

- genesis: the past was constructed by people.

- existence: the current order can only exist if people exist who sustain it.

• Objectivation: process that turns products of human activity in something external of such activity. This process involves:

- Institutionalization: repetition of an action that becomes typical and, through generations, appears as being... Continue reading "Socialization and Social Change: Understanding the Process and Its Impact" »

Credibility

The extent to which a speaker is perceived as a competent spokesperson.

Pathos

The emotional appeal of the speech, used to reach the heart of the listeners.

Ethos

The credibility or believability of the speaker, which helps convince listeners.

Values

Socially shared ideas about what is good, right, and desirable.

Hidden Agenda

A private motivation for acting in a certain way. This is considered unethical behavior.

Communication

The creation of shared meaning through symbolic processes.

Listener

Perceives through sensory levels and interprets, evaluates, and responds to what they hear.

Rhetoric

The art of persuasive speech.

Logos

The use of logic in the speech, which must be structurally solid and backed by evidence.

Oratory

A form of eloquent... Continue reading "Essential Concepts in Public Speaking and Communication" »

Social Collectives Shaping Our Actions

Four kinds of social collectives shape our actions:

1. Social Groups
2. Networks
3. Formal Organizations
4. Whole Societies

Social Groups

Primary & Secondary Groups. Group Leadership. Group Conformity. Reference Groups. In & Out Groups. Group Size

Primary Groups

Shapes attitudes, behavior, social identity. “A small social group whose members share personal & lasting relationships” (Cooley)

Conformity is an integral part that ensures group cohesion. Primary groups exert more pressure to conform than secondary groups. Emotional intimacy ensures similar beliefs.

Secondary Groups

Large & impersonal groups whose members pursue a specific goal/activity. Weak emotional ties, typically impersonal (co-workers). Many... Continue reading "Understanding Social Structures: Groups and Networks" »

Forensic Linguistics and Communication Analysis

Identification and Intertextuality

• Identification: Identify the author, speaker, and language.
• Intertextuality: Relate texts, assess independence, and form communicative groups (e.g., gangs).

Text Classification and Threat Assessment

• Text-Typing: Classify by text kind, assessing threatening communication, predatory chat, or evaluating a statement.

Linguistic Profiling

• Linguistic Profiling: Determine social and demographic characteristics by speech or language. Identify dialect, native language, gender, age, and educational level.

Automated Linguistic Identification

• ALIAS (Automated Linguistic Identification and Assessment System): An automated system for linguistic identification and assessment.

Neuro-Linguistic

... Continue reading "Forensic Linguistics and Behavioral Analysis Techniques" »

Freud's Psychogenic Theory

Sigmund Freud, a prominent psychogenic theorist, proposed that the human personality is shaped by three distinct influences:

The Id

• The Id represents the primal drives and impulses of the child.
• It is the only part of the personality that functions at birth.

The Ego

• The Ego develops during infancy and mediates between the Id and the external world.
• It seeks to satisfy the Id's impulses in a socially acceptable manner.

The Superego

• The Superego emerges around the age of 4-5 years.
• It represents the moral conscience and instills a sense of guilt.

Behaviorism

Behaviorism, pioneered by John Watson and B.F. Skinner, emphasizes the study of observable behaviors (stimuli and responses).

Skinner believed that learning occurs through reinforcement... Continue reading "Understanding Human Development: A Comprehensive Guide to Theories and Influences" »

Exclusion and Poverty

Poverty and Inequality

Defining Poverty

Poverty is a complex issue with various dimensions:

• Absolute Poverty: Lack of essential resources to meet basic needs like food, shelter, education, and healthcare.
• Relative Poverty: Having an income level below the societal average, even if basic needs are met.

Measuring Poverty

• Absolute Poverty: Establishing a fixed poverty line applicable to all locations.
• Relative Poverty: Comparing a specific group's income to the rest of the population.

Poverty as a Lack of Ability

Poverty should be viewed as a deprivation of basic abilities, often linked to income. While income is a crucial factor, it's not the sole determinant of one's capabilities.

The Relationship Between Income and Ability

Understanding... Continue reading "Social Exclusion and Poverty: An Abilities-Based Approach" »